Customer Reviews

Mean on Sunday (Rev): The Autobiography of Ray Nitschke

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Ray Nitschke gives great insight into the human side of professional football. Takes readers on a great journey, from being orphaned as child, to success with the Fighting Illini, and finally to near immortal status as a member of The Green Bay Packers. Definitely not your typical pro-athlete memoirs.

THIS BOOK IS VERY INTERESTING, WELL WRITTEN, AND DONE WITH HONESTY. RAY'S TEAM ATTITUDE AND WORK ETHICS ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. HE WAS A BUTT KICKER AND A FORCE IN THE NFL. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL FOOTBALL FANS. TO GET A REAL GOOD LOOK AT HOW FOOTBALL SHOULD BE PLAYED READ THIS. ONE HELLUVA GOOD READ.
VERY RECOMMENDED.

Ray Nitschke is arguably the greatest middle linebacker to play football, but people often forget what a great man he was. Honest, caring, and a passionate about football are only a few ways to describe him. Originally penned in 1973, immediately after his playing days, "Mean on Sunday" is an all too concise memoir of his life through his playing days.

The Green Bay Packers of the 1960's were one of the great football dynasties, if not the greatest. Nitschke was a central figure of those teams. From his rough childhood as an orphan to his college playing days at the University of Illinois where he dreamed of playing for the Bears, he is forthcoming in his storytelling. The tales of the Lombardi championship teams are classic, and have served as a source for other works. Yet when he begins telling of his playing days, I feel that he holds something back.

As far as content, "Nitschke" by Edward Gruver is more thorough because of the inclusion of Nitschke's later years. Also, in his memoir, Nitschke never admits to the physical discomfort he endured in his final years. He was too proud to make excuses for his limitations, embodying the toughness Lombardi expected while always being a good man.

This was a FABULOUS book! Nitschke gives us wonderful insights to his character and to the way he played football in the 1960s. The thing I appreciate in Nitschke's work is that he is humble. That humility shines forth throughout the book - for a professional football player - that's actually a pretty unique thing these days.

It's almost hard to believe that the same man who terrorized NFL offenses in the 60s could be the nice guy that this book makes him appear to be. Ray Nitschke was truly a class act. He might have enjoyed crushing an opposing quarterback, but off the field he was set a great example as someone who cared deeply for his family, friends and teammates. Although he had a rough start in life, he learned early that he wanted a life he could be proud of, and where he could be an example for others. I never expected this book to be inspiring when I bought it, but it certainly is.